Thanksgiving Day, 2005 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation

Thanksgiving Day is a time to remember our many blessings and to
celebrate the opportunities that freedom affords. Explorers and
settlers arriving in this land often gave thanks for the extraordinary
plenty they found. And today, we remain grateful to live in a country
of liberty and abundance. We give thanks for the love of family and
friends, and we ask God to continue to watch over America.

This Thanksgiving, we pray and express thanks for the men and women who
work to keep America safe and secure. Members of our Armed Forces,
State and local law enforcement, and first responders embody our
Nation's highest ideals of courage and devotion to duty. Our country is
grateful for their service and for the support and sacrifice of their
families. We ask God's special blessings on those who have lost loved
ones in the line of duty.

We also remember those affected by the destruction of natural disasters.
Their tremendous determination to recover their lives exemplifies the
American spirit, and we are grateful for those across our Nation who
answered the cries of their neighbors in need and provided them with
food, shelter, and a helping hand. We ask for continued strength and
perseverance as we work to rebuild these communities and return hope to
our citizens.

We give thanks to live in a country where freedom reigns, justice
prevails, and hope prospers. We recognize that America is a better
place when we answer the universal call to love a neighbor and help
those in need. May God bless and guide the United States of America as
we move forward.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24,
2005, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to
gather together in their homes and places of worship with family,
friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give
thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.